A reader of this space wrote that he was confused about why we hunt deer. He said he read something I wrote that suggested most of us hunt deer for the thrill of the kill, and he responded as follows:

''So I invite you to explain, in an upcoming article, what it is about 'the kill' you enjoy. I think this could go a long way in helping me understand hunters and murderers alike. I completely understand if you don't appreciate the lumping 'hunters and murderers' together; it's not really fair. But I cannot think of any other group that professes an enjoyment of killing."